Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Cole Palmer is poised to make his first appearance since September when the Blues take on Leeds United on Wednesday.
Palmer, 23, has been limited to only four appearances in all competitions for the Blues this season, scoring two times.
The England international has not made an appearance since going off in the first half of the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United over two months ago with a groin injury.
The 23-year-old made his return from the injury last month, but an accidental injury in his home further ruled him out for an additional week.
He was named on the bench for last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal, but is now set to make an appearance in Wednesday’s clash against Leeds.
“He is available. The last game he was on the bench. For sure with the players was more complicated for Cole because now he needs to come back in terms of fitness condition. He is available, he can start the game”, Maresca said.
“The idea of the game is to start giving minutes until he can play 90 minutes.”
Chelsea extended their unbeaten run to seven games in all competitions with the result against Arsenal last weekend.
The Blues were reduced to 10 men in an entertaining encounter after Moises Caicedo was sent off for a reckless challenge.
Despite being a man down, they took the lead early in the second half as Trevoh Chalobah flicked on a freekick from Reece James.
However, the visitors were back on level terms moments later as Mikel Merino headed in a superb cross from Bukayo Saka.
The London side hope to move higher on the standings when they face the relegation-threatened Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday night.
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